Europeanen gekleed in het wit ontspannen bij de buitentafel terwijl de Indonesische bediende het van een afstand gade slaat. c. 1910

This photograph, taken by Frits Freerks Fontein sometime in the early 20th century, presents a scene in sepia tones, lending it a faded, historical feel. The choice of this palette immediately sets a nostalgic mood, inviting reflection on the past. The photo captures a group of Europeans, dressed in white, relaxing at an outdoor table. The sepia tone evokes a sense of distance, as if we are looking at a memory. The light is diffuse, softening edges and flattening the perspective, making the scene feel both intimate and remote. A key element is the Indonesian attendant, who watches the scene unfold. The gaze underscores themes of colonialism and social dynamics. Fontein's work, like that of many photographers of his time, is a complex document. It invites us to consider the power dynamics inherent in representation and the ways in which images shape our understanding of history. It reminds us that art is always part of a larger conversation about who we are and how we relate to one another.